Quick answer: a great wargaming room has four zones: a gaming table with walk-around space, storage for armies and terrain, a painting corner with good light, and a display wall for finished models. Plan the table first, because it decides how much room is left for everything else. You can start in a spare bedroom, loft, garage or even a corner of a living room.
Plan the room around the table
Players need to reach the middle of the table and walk around it. A common rule of thumb is to leave roughly 75–90cm (2.5–3ft) clear on each side you play from.
| Table size | Good for | Rough room size with walk-around space |
|---|---|---|
| 2ft × 2ft or 3ft × 3ft | Skirmish games, roleplaying | Spare bedroom or box room |
| 4ft × 4ft | Small battles, most board games | About 3m × 3m |
| 6ft × 4ft | Full-size battles | About 3.5m × 3m |
Tight on space? A folding table, a board that sits on the dining table, or a table that doubles as a desk all work. Check your game's rulebook for the table size it expects.
Gaming table ideas
1. A topper for the dining table
A 6ft × 4ft board or neoprene mat over the dining table gives you a full battlefield without a dedicated room.
2. A table with a lid
A recessed playing surface with a lid lets you leave a game mid-battle and use the table as normal in between.
3. Storage under the table
Drawers or crates under the table keep terrain and armies within reach of the game.
4. A side table for dice and rulebooks
A small trolley or side table keeps the battlefield clear of books, drinks and tape measures.
5. A drinks shelf at elbow height
A narrow wall shelf keeps drinks off the table and away from painted models.
Storage ideas
6. Labelled crates for each army
One crate per force, labelled on the end, makes setting up a game quick. See how to store miniatures.
7. Terrain on deep shelves
Tall pieces upright, flat pieces stacked with card between. Our guide to storing tabletop terrain covers it.
8. Magnetic transport cases
Keep armies in cases you can grab for club nights; see transporting miniatures.
9. A pile-of-shame shelf
Keep unbuilt kits in one place, out of sight, so they don't creep into the display.
10. Card game storage
If your group plays card games too, keep each deck in its own box; see storing several Commander decks.
Painting corner ideas
11. A desk by the window
Natural light for painting during the day, but keep finished models out of direct sun.
12. A daylight lamp
A daylight-balanced lamp lets you paint in the evening without colours shifting.
13. Tiered paint racks
Pots in rows you can see beat a box you have to dig through. See organising a hobby desk.
14. A spray booth or spray spot
Prime outside or in a ventilated area, away from your finished display.
More in hobby room ideas for miniature painters.
Display ideas
15. A display wall
Dedicate one wall to shelves or cabinets for finished armies. One force per shelf looks deliberate.
16. Tiered stands so every model shows
A WarSplay Classic (£18.95) lifts a 17-model squad into stadium rows; the Hero (£18.95) does the same for monsters and cavalry on bases up to 80mm.
17. Risers inside a glass cabinet
Dust protection and visibility together. See tiered risers for glass cabinets.
18. A scenic showcase
Put your best unit on a WarSplay Pro (from £22.95) with the acrylic backdrop (£18.95) as the room's centrepiece.
19. A characters shelf
Heroes and commanders on a Hero Mini (£11.95) at eye level.
20. A "last game's winner" spot
One shelf where the winning army goes on show until the next game.
WarSplay stands are compatible with Warhammer 40,000® miniatures and most other ranges on standard round bases (WarSplay is an independent UK maker and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Games Workshop). See all miniature display stands.
Lighting and atmosphere
21. Bright, even overhead light
The table needs to be lit evenly so nobody plays in their own shadow.
22. LED strips on display shelves
Battery or USB strips bring paintwork out without wiring; see LED strips vs puck lights.
23. Themed art and banners
A few prints or a painted backdrop on the wall set the mood for the room.
24. Comfortable seating
Bar stools or high chairs suit a tall gaming table and save standing all evening.
25. Soundproofing for late games
A rug and soft furnishings cut noise from dice and chatter.
Wargaming room on a budget
| Budget | What to prioritise |
|---|---|
| Under £50 | A playing mat for the dining table and one tiered display stand |
| £50–£200 | Storage crates, a daylight lamp, two or three display stands |
| £200–£500 | A dedicated table or board, shelving and a glass cabinet with risers |
| £500+ | A purpose-built table with storage, a full display wall and lighting |
More low-cost ideas in budget miniature display ideas under £50.
Small room or shared space?
Skip the permanent table: use a mat on the dining table, keep armies in crates, and put one tiered stand on a bookcase so the hobby is on show without taking over. See small hobby room display ideas and displaying miniatures in a living room.
Finish the room with a display wall
WarSplay modular stands from £11.95: pre-assembled, precision-manufactured with a UV-printed finish, dispatched within 2 business days.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a wargaming room be?
For a 6ft × 4ft table with space to walk round it, roughly 3.5m × 3m. Smaller tables for skirmish games fit in a spare bedroom.
What size table do I need for wargaming?
It depends on the game: skirmish games often use 2ft × 2ft to 3ft × 3ft, and larger battles 4ft × 4ft or 6ft × 4ft. Check your rulebook.
How much space do you need around a gaming table?
Roughly 75–90cm on each side you play from, so players can reach the middle and move round.
How do I set up a wargaming room on a budget?
Start with a mat for the dining table, storage crates and one tiered display stand, then add a dedicated table later.
How should I display miniatures in a games room?
On tiered stands along one display wall, one army per shelf, with LED strips and out of direct sun.
Can I have a wargaming room in a garage or loft?
Yes, but control damp and temperature, as both can damage models, terrain and cards. See where not to store miniatures.
Related reading
- Miniature display ideas for a games room
- Hobby room ideas for miniature painters
- Small hobby room display ideas
- 28mm fantasy terrain and buildings
- How to display miniatures: ideas that work
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